Cristina, who is 3 and half years old, goes crazy with dolls. She already has a big collection that includes so many princesses, Barbies, as well as the Calico Critters, Olivia, and Peppa Pig houses, but she didn’t have a toy that celebrates her Latino heritage, like Vi and Va dolls.Cuando recibimos el paquete con las muñecas para que pudiera escribir este post sobre ellas, Cristina emocionada las abrió y las revisó una por una, pues hasta ahora no las conocía.

When we received the package with the dolls, so I could write this post, Cristina was very excited and examined one by one. She hadn’t seen these dolls before!

We read the stories of each one of them and I explained her that they were family. She was very interested with the idea that two of them, Viviana y Valentina, were sisters and the other two, Roxxi and Felicia, were their cousins.

One by one, we opened the dolls and started discovering the story behind them. Cristina immediately got which were the passions of each one of these characters and identified herself with Viviana, not because her hair or skin color, but because both of them like music.

With different hair color and skin tone, I also immediately connected with these dolls. I love the diversity that exists in our culture and feel fascinated by the fact that we are so different, but so similar at the same time.

Other thing I just loved: The hips these dolls have. As a curvy Latina who suffered in her teenage years wanting a body that didn’t belong to me, I really think is important to teach our girls to embrace their body and to be proud of themselves.

All the dolls come dressed in beautiful outfits, but one thing that really caught Cristina’s and my attention was the fact that they are wearing huge earrings that reflect the concern of always look well put together and feminine of most of the Latina women.

MGAE believes that ethnic diversity is critically important to a healthy community. And yes, the fact that the girls learn by playing that we live in a society that celebrates diversity is very important.

The full assortment of “Vi and Va” fashion dolls is available at Target stores and on Target.com. For more information, please visit the webpage and join the conversation (#ViandVa) with our social community at Facebook and Twitter

Older sister, Vi, 16, is spontaneous and easy going. She’s passionate about sharing her love of music, and she’s always ready to break out her guitar at family gatherings. She also loves creating new styles as a fashion designer.

Younger sister, Va, 15, is so neat and organized. She loves learning to cook from her mother and grandmothers. She’s already perfected several savory family recipes, like empanadas. She also loves trying out new hairstyles, and making herself look unique with ribbons and flowers in her hair.

The line also has a birthday party/quinceanera collection, where the family celebrates Vi turning 16 and Va turning 15 with a combined family party celebration. Girls can even dress up and join the fun with role play and styling accessories.